Cole Palmer made history by becoming the first player to score four first-half goals in a Premier League game, leading Chelsea to a dominant win over Brighton, pushing them to third place.
In a thrilling match at Stamford Bridge, Palmer, 22, also hit the post and had a goal ruled offside before halftime as Chelsea exploited Brighton’s high defensive line. Brighton managed two early goals, capitalizing on errors by Chelsea’s former Brighton keeper, Robert Sanchez.
Georginio Rutter’s header initially put the visitors ahead, but Palmer took control with a sensational individual performance. He struck the post, scored from an offside position, and finally netted from a Nicolas Jackson pass—all within 138 seconds.
Palmer added his 10th straight successful penalty after Jadon Sancho was fouled, completing a 10-minute hat-trick with a superb 25-yard free kick. His fourth goal came from a Sancho assist, moments after Carlos Baleba capitalized on a Sanchez mistake, giving Brighton brief hope.
